Mom2Create, a subscriber to my YouTube channel, asked in a comment what tools I would recommend to beginners? Thank you, Janette (Mom2Create) for this great question.
When I started making scrapbook layouts, way back in 2003, I watched every video I could find on the subject. I read hundreds of internet articles on the subject. Blog posts, HGTV’s website that offered paper crafting information, anything I could find. I bought books and magazines dedicated to scrapbook layouts. The magazines and videos were largely based around Sizzix die cutting machines and the various dies available.
I had a problem. Everything I read or video I watched was geared to the crafters that had ready supplies and tools on hand. I, basically, had nothing.
I had a grid ruler that I bought in 1993 or 1994 which I used in my sewing. I tried my hand at quilting…..and found that to be something I did NOT enjoy one little bit. I had fabric scissors. That was the extent of my paper crafting hand tools.
In a state of frustration one day in 2004 I did the worst thing I could have done. I went to my local craft/hobby store and began loading my cart with all kinds of stuff.
For one minute imagine if you will, or even remember, going into a grocery store really hungry. You start off with good intentions to purchase the necessary food items for meals and replenish any pantry or condiment items you are out of. PLUS you go into the grocery store without a LIST!
Everything looks good to eat. Stomach grumbling. Brain telling you it is time to eat. The food items you originally went in to purchase for dinner are no longer in your memory. In fact, you can’t remember what you went to the grocery store for in the first place. Maybe you’ll remember what it was as you wander the aisles.
When I got home from my shopping at the craft/hobby store I had paper. Slabs, pads, packs, and bundles of paper. I had rubber stamps that looked interesting. What I didn’t have was a paper trimmer, nor did I have an ink pad to use with the rubber stamps. I didn’t even get a pair of paper scissors.
In essence I went down the cookie aisle and loaded up with every kind of cookie I saw that looked good.
In this series of videos and blog posts I am going to start with the rudimentary tools a person needs to begin paper crafting. The items I have chosen to start this series are essentials that will be your foundation. With these few tools….scissors, rulers, bone folders, and craft knife……you can create anything with these simple tools.
Foundation hand tools for your paper crafting
I have a YouTube video demonstrating these tools. What to look for, which tool to choose for your needs. I tell you why you need two pairs of scissors. One for paper and one for fabric (ribbons, lace) and what to look for when buying a pair of scissors.
I have a pair of kitchen shears that I use frequently. These are really OLD and at one time they were top of the line in the scissor world. Wiss brand. Over the years they have been used by others that have put them to work in situations and places that I will never visit. The blades are separated and cause problems from time to time.
When purchasing scissors look closely at them closed. There should NOT be a gap between the closed blades.
There should be NO gap between the closed blades
Here is the first video in the series. Maybe I will remind a long time crafter of what they did in the early days of their creating. Or maybe give you a tip that makes placing letter stickers in position easily.
Message In A Fold 